The organ in the Birkirkara Collegiate Basilica of St Helen was for the last months undergoing a process of intensive restoration that was being undertaken by local restorer Robert Buhagiar.

It is interesting to know that in Birkirkara there has been quite a long tradition for the use of organ music to enhance liturgical services. There had been an organ in the old parish church, today’s Knisja l-Qadima since the 17th century. Then in 1765, barely 20 years since the present edifice, although still structurally not complete, had been blessed and was in use, the then procurator of the Sacra Lampada recorded an entry for the expenditure that was incurred for the installation of an organ. It is not known whether this was a new organ or not.

Then in 1928, when the special festivities for the 16th centenary of Saint Helen were approaching, a new organ was installed in Birkirkara’s Collegiate Church. It was manufactured in Crema, Italy, by the renowned firm Tamburini. So this is also the eightieth year that this organ has been of service in the Basilica, and so the restoration intervention was a must.

Now that this process has been completed and the organ is once again installed in its loft, the Birkirkara Chapter will be marking the occasion with an Inauguration Evening next Tuesday 29 January, at 6.30pm. This will consist of a Mass of Thanksgiving, during which the liturgical music will be accompanied by the newly-restored organ, played by the restorer himself, Mr Buhagiar. This will be followed by a short concert of organ music, specially selected for the occasion played also by

Mr Buhagiar.

The general public is cordially invited to attend.